Angel Shad

shad

June 16 1995
   Shad first appeared on our web page  Aug. 22, 2000
He got his wings on Sept. 5 2000.
The following was written when Shad appeared on our web pages.
Typed in 2000.
 

  Shad was born June 16, 95 a
very happy and loving child. When Shad was 28 months old our world came crashing down: he was diagnosed with medullablastoma, a malignant brain tumor.  On October 18, 97.  Shad underwent surgery to remove the tumor.  We waited ten agonizing days to find out that his tumor was malignant. Cancer!.. Our baby has Cancer! We discussed with his oncologist what would happen next: chemotherapy, then radiation when Shad was closer to 4 years of age.  Shad also needed another surgery to place a VP shunt due to a build up of cerebral spinal fluid in his brain, as well as the insertion of a port-a-cath a permanent I.V. site for his chemotherapy injections. This surgery was completed October 31, 1997.  On September 21, 98 Shad needed another surgery to replace his shunt that had stopped working. After Shad's initial surgery to remove his tumor, he lost all of his abilities.  He could no longer talk, sit up on his own, roll over or walk. He was like a 30 LB newborn. After 6 weeks, Shad regained slowed him down.  He always tries to keep up with his big brother Shafiq, who is 7 years old. Shad has undergone numerous CT Scans, MRI's, and countless other tests and physical exams. The chemo made him very sick. He lost his hair, and a lot of weight but could still be happy and offer a smile and a laugh. After 12 months of chemotherapy, tests showed that

  Shad's cancer had spread to his spine.  His Chemo drugs were switched to ones that would hopefully prove more effective. However, his little body could not withstand them and we had to stop all chemotherapy and begin radiation. Radiation was administered daily for 32 days.  Shad had to be sedated every day for radiation because he was not able to lie still for the 15 minute sessions.  We had hoped that the radiation would have killed Shad's cancer but after 8 months,  we were given devastating news that the cancer returned. A new tumor in his head had grown and he was again given chemotherapy in  December of 99.  Two different types of chemo were tried over a four month period. On June 18, 2000 just after his fifth birthday Shad fell into a coma and was not expected to live. We held a bedside vigil and everyone cried, prayed and offered us support. Shad proved doctors wrong and after 21 days in hospital, we were able to bring him home. Shad is now receiving palliative care at home and is on high doses of morphine to control his pain. He spends most of his time playing with his puzzles and watching his favorite movies, teletubbies, Blues Clues, and Caillou.  We do not  know how much time Shad has with us and we try to maybe every day as happy and comfortable for Shad as possible.
                                Written by Shad's mom Lisa.
 
 

Shad got his angel wings on Sept 5 2000


Please pray for his family